These mini French apple rose tarts are a stunning yet an easy dessert to prepare. Delicate apple slices are arranged into beautiful rose shapes atop a buttery, homemade crust. The combination of naturally sweetened apples and a simple apple sauce makes these tarts both visually impressive and irresistibly tasty.
Perfect for a special occasion or simply when you want to add a little elegance to your day, these tarts come together with minimal effort but deliver maximum flavour and charm.
If you enjoyed my Apple Crumble tart and my mini apple galettes, I have no doubt this will also be added to your Fall repertoire. Also, this is your chance to learn how to make a pie crust from scratch and for a more elevated taste, try this shortcrust pastry.
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⭐ What makes these tarts so amazing
- They look stunning: Don't you eat with your eyes? I do, these are so cute, you'll wow your guests!
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a special brunch, or just because you deserve a treat, these tarts fit right in.
- Customizable: Switch up the apple sauce for a jam or use some pears too.
- Kid-friendly baking: Despite their fancy appearance, they’re actually easy to make. is a fun another one to make with your kids and get their creative mind arrange the apple slices
🥣 Ingredients
For these Mini Apple Rose Tarts, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients. Here are some tips to make the most of them:
- Butter: cold and cubed, this will create a flaky, buttery crust.
- Apples: I chose red delicious for their colour when I place the slices of apple. The red of the peel. looks pretty.
- Apple sauce: Pick your favorite sauce for the base, store-bought or homemade works.
🍎 Some Fun Swaps
Here are a few delicious variations to try with tarts your own:
- Flaky crust: Take a shortcut and use store-bought puff pastry or make it more buttery with the shortbread crust option.
- Cinnamon spice: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the apples before arranging them in the tarts for a warm, cozy flavour.
- Different Fruit: Try using thinly sliced pears or peaches for a twist on the classic apple rose, or mix apple varieties for a blend of sweet and tart flavours.
📖 Instructions
First, make the crust. Mix the butter, flour, and salt together (picture 1) in a large mixing bowl until it crumbles between your fingers (picture 2).
Next, gradually add the water and work it into a smooth ball (picture 3). Now it’s ready to be added to the fridge to set for about 20 minutes. Roll the dough and press them into 3-inch tart molds. Using a knife, cut the excess dough to make clean edges (picture 4).
Tip: You likely won’t need all the water called for in this recipe. The amount needed depends on factors like the humidity of your environment. Adding the water gradually into the dough will help you achieve the consistency desired without adding too much!
Then, assemble the tarts by pouring a generous tablespoon of apple sauce into each prepared tart shell. Spread it evenly over the base. This will act as the sweet layer that binds everything together (picture 5).
Now, wash the apples and thinly slice them using a sharp knife (or a mandoline if you have). Carefully place the slices on the sauce to create a rose shape (picture 6).
Tip: The thinner the slice of apple, the easier they will be to shape.
Lastly, bake the tarts in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Let them cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and enjoy the beauty and taste of these elegant tarts!
💭 Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! You can save time by using store-bought puff pastry or pie crust. Just roll it out and follow the same instructions for pressing it into the tart molds.
Red Delicious or Honeycrisp apples work great for their bright red skins, which create beautiful rose petals. But you can experiment with other apple varieties like Granny Smith if you prefer a tarter flavour.
Yes! You can make the crust ahead of time and store them tightly wrapped in the fridge and assemble and bake the tarts on the day off. The apples may brown if you assemble ahead of time.
Another option would be to bake the tarts and store them in the fridge.
These tarts are best enjoyed fresh, but they will keep in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days refrigerated. You can reheat them slightly (30 seconds increments in the microwave) before serving.
These apple tarts pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce! Of course, may I suggest a tea of coffee with it?
More Easy Apple Recipes
📋 Mini French Apple Rose Tarts
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 6 mini mold tart 3-inch
Ingredients
For the Crust
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 and ⅓ cup flour
- ¼ cup water cold
- 1 pinch pinch salt
For the filling
- 6 tablespoon apple sauce unsweetened
- 3-4 apples Red delicious
- 6 teaspoon demerara sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven at 400F.
For the crust
- Mix the butter, the flour and salt together until it is crumbly.
- Add in the water gradually as you might need a few drops less.
- Form into a ball and set in the fridge for 20 minutes or so.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the dough and press them into 3-inch tart molds. Using a knife, cut the excess dough to make clean edges.
For the filling
- Assemble the tarts: pour about 1 tablespoon of apple sauce into each prepared tart shell. Spread it evenly over the base.
- Wash the apples and thinly slice them using a sharp knife (or a mandoline if you have). Carefully place the slices on the sauce to create a rose shape.
- Sprinkle some demerara sugar on top (optional).
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden and the apples soft.
- Allow to slightly cool down before serving.
Notes
- Use store-bought crust for convenience (puff pastry or pie crust works well).
- Apple suggestion: Red Delicious or Honeycrisp for vibrant color; Granny Smith for tartness.
- Make ahead: Prepare the crust ahead and assemble on the day of, bake fresh.
- Freezing option: Freeze unbaked tarts and bake straight from the freezer.
- Serving ideas: Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.
- Storage: Keep in the refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
- Sweeter? Use sweetened apple sauce or jam.
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
Congrats on the new look! The rose apple tart looks so pretty.
Mélanie says
Thank you so much Bianca! The tarts are simple and can impress your guests :)